Links 2003

Rating:
Summary: I think is one of the best golf games out there.
Review: I have been a huge fan of the Links golf series since playing Links 386, now Microsoft has released its best effort to date. This application is made for the armchair golfer of all ages.

The installation was simple and straight forward with no complications during the install. I was able to get the application up and running in Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP professional. I was impressed by the graphics and how realistic they have become from previous versions. I was also impressed by the fact that previous version courses could be converted with the utility included.

Nice additions have been made with a new swing type and the addition of the putt path when you are on the green to give a better chance of sinking the long one on the first try. One thing that I found nice is the web interface connection that comes up at the intro screen; however you do need an active connection.

Loading and rendering were above average as long as you have a 3D video card and that you can tailor the game to your needs making this head and shoulders above all others out there. I also like the new addition of the "New Record" feature that lets you know your longest drive or putt by course or overall play.

The best new feature is the fact that you can now setup and play an entire golf season, so now you can setup leagues, run tournaments and even have skins competitions all from the comfort of you own home and it cost a lot less.

The game has several new courses included and there are a number of websites you can download additional courses from. Speaking of additional course I also received the Links 2003 Championship courses as well.

Rating:
Summary: New Realtime Swing reason enough to upgrade.
Review: It seems like most of the complaints here are about the online play. I don't play online, so this review is addressed to those who don't bother with that aspect of the game.
The addition of the real time swing is enough for me to recommend this game. The double-click interface had started boring me and I never could get into Powerstroke. The putting is more difficult than clicking and I think they could have done a better job with iron play (I hit woods easier than irons in this game, which isn't what happens in real life to most golfers). Still, I find it far more entertaining than the click method. The graphics look better than 2001, at least on my system (AMD 1.2 Thunderbird with an ATI 8500 video card) and I don't have any delays in loading screens. That could be because I have 512 Meg of RAM. Those with just 128 Meg may be doing a lot of watching. There have been complaints about the sound, but I don't pay much attention to that aspecte of the game anyway.
I've played the 2002 version of Tiger Woods a few times. In comparison to Links, the 3D look of TW adds quite a bit to the game. Unfortunately, most of the courses for that game look the same to me and you cannot save a game in progress in career mode. It lets you save it, but doesn't carry over the statistics. I lost interest in the game after discovering that. You can save a game in progress in the Links2003 career mode and it carries over the stats. The courses for L2003 have far more variety than the TW ones, although they aren't 3D.
In sum, I don't think this is a must-have upgrade like 2001 was, but it is a solid effort. It also comes with a [...] rebate for previous owners of the game. I received that check less than a month after purchasing the game. Say what you want to about the "Evil Empire," but they do a good job with those rebates.

Rating:
Summary: fun
Review: needs top spin and back spin features when ball is in the air on each shot but a real fun game

Rating:
Summary: Yuck
Review: Not half as good as 2001. What good are more courses if the game itself is lousy?

Rating:
Summary: The Best Golf Game I have Ever Play
Review: This is a game I will have for years. With the ability to add additional courses, play online, and make the play as difficult as your skill level, Links 2003 is about as good as it gets. The courses are beautiful, and well designed. If you are hooked on a game being linked to a big name golfer, this isn't your game. If you are looking for superior play and graphics, this is your game.

Any game that can make me angry and I keep comming back for more abuse because it is so fun is a keeper.